The 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in 1986 with a 325i won. Then came the M3 to use the 24 from 1989 to 1992 won four in a row. The M3 was also including by Steve Soper (predominantly blue and black grille), Johnny Cecotto (red grille) and Roberto Ravaglia (predominantly black grille) in the German touring car championship driven, with Roberto Ravaglia 1989 champion. Due to the success of these drivers in the European Touring Car and the World Touring Car Special models were named after them.

The 318is was introduced in 1989 with four-valve technology and the greater the braking system equipped 325i. This version is still due to the favorable price / performance ratio, often used in motorsport, such as rallies, where the Hecktriebler is particularly suitable.